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CNI survey shows concern with costs, production, and competitiveness, while the government defends the 5×2 schedule and full salary maintenance
The end of the 6×1 schedule advanced in the National Congress and opened one of the most relevant labor debates in recent years in Brazil.
The proposal provides for a maximum workweek of 40 hours, two days of paid rest, and salary maintenance.
Data released by the National Confederation of Industry, CNI, on July 2, 2026, shows strong business resistance.
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The survey indicates that 70% of industries fear losing competitiveness if the change is definitively approved.
Another data point reveals that 68% of companies project a reduction in production volume.
The federal administration, in turn, supports the proposal and argues that more free time could favor income, qualification, and entrepreneurship.
Survey reveals concern among industrial companies
The CNI survey was conducted between March 2 and 11, 2026.
Representatives from 1,664 small, medium, and large industries participated in the survey.
Of this total, 1,366 companies belong to the extractive and manufacturing industries. Another 298 operate in the construction sector.
The survey shows that 85% of industries currently use the 44-hour workweek.
The impact of the change is expected to reach 97% of the companies surveyed, according to the entity.
The main results were:
- 85% project an increase in employee costs;
- 82% expect higher expenses with suppliers;
- 70% foresee a loss of competitiveness;
- 68% estimate a reduction in production volume;
- 73% reject the mandatory reduction of working hours;
- 57% are against the end of the 6×1 schedule.
The president of CNI, Ricardo Alban, stated that the domestic market needs to remain strong, productive, and prepared to face foreign competition.
Chamber approves 40-hour workweek in two shifts
The Chamber of Deputies approved PEC 221/2019 on May 27, 2026.
The first round recorded 472 votes in favor and 22 against.
The second round ended with 461 votes in favor and 19 against.
The text reached the Federal Senate on May 28, 2026.
Approval will require at least 49 votes among the 81 senators, in two rounds of voting.
The schedule for analyzing the proposal has not yet been defined.
Reduction of working hours will occur in stages
The proposal establishes a transition of 14 months until the full implementation of the 40-hour workweek.
The first change will occur two months after promulgation.
The weekly limit will decrease from 44 to 42 hours, with a guarantee of two paid rest days.
One of the rest days should preferably occur on Sundays.
The second stage will begin 12 months later.
The final limit will be 40 hours per week, without nominal or proportional salary reduction.
Agreements and collective conventions incompatible with the new working hours will lose validity after the first two months.
High-income professionals may be exempt from the rule
The proposal establishes exceptions for certain workers.
Professionals with a higher education degree and remuneration above 2.5 times the INSS ceiling may be exempt from working hour limitations.
The value currently corresponds to approximately R$ 21,100 per month.
The time clock control will also not be applied to these professionals.
The paid rest of two days per week, however, must be preserved.
Senate evaluates immediate application of changes
The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, met with parliamentarians and union representatives on July 1, 2026.
The duration of the transition was one of the main points discussed at the meeting.
The Senate’s legislative advisory started evaluating a drafting amendment.
The change may allow the end of the 6×1 schedule and the reduced workday to take effect immediately after promulgation.
The final format will still depend on negotiations among the senators.
Government and industry present different views
The federal government believes that more free time could stimulate small businesses, professional training, and income generation.
The industry warns of increased labor costs, reduced production, and loss of competitiveness.
Business representatives advocate caution, collective bargaining, and sufficient time for adaptation.
The debate brings together topics such as quality of life, productivity, employment, costs, production, and national competitiveness.
The reduction of the workday could represent an important transformation in the Brazilian labor market.
The big question, however, remains: can the country work less without increasing costs, reducing jobs, or making products and services more expensive?
In your opinion, should the end of the 6×1 schedule be applied immediately or does it need a longer transition? Leave your comment!
